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Final Fantasy XIV and the Arcanist’s Carbuncle

July 24th, 2013 by Tony Garsow

The newest class to come to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is the Arcanist, a spellcasting Disciple of Magic that will make use of a companion — the bona fide Carbuncle. Affectionately referred to as “Carby”, you’ll eventually befriend the iconic Final Fantasy summon through your class quests should you choose to take up the grimoire. (Unfamiliar with Carbuncle? We recommend you not search out pictures through Google Images.) While Carbuncle fights at your side, playing an Arcanist isn’t as simple as scribbling a few notes in your diary and remembering to bring your pet’s treats.

Like every other class in Final Fantasy XIV, levelling it will eventually lead you towards the goal of obtaining your Job. Thaumaturge will become Black Mage, Pugilist will become Monk, so on and so forth. The twist with Arcanist is that you will have two Job branches from which to choose: the Summoner and the Scholar. However, if both tickle your fancy, you can very well choose both (just one at a time). Your character in Final Fantasy XIV can be any and every class, as long as you have the proper weapon or tool in hand. Switching these jobs is just a hop, click, and a jump through your equipment sets which can be arranged through your Character Sheet and Armoury Chest.

Your pal Carby comes in a variety of flavors, including his trademark bluish-greenish-aquaish color. Expect to see different versions through your travels, with Project Manager M debuting the Topaz Carbuncle this very day.

If you choose to walk down the Summoner‘s path, know that you’ll eventually come to control the Egi forms of Primals — that’s Final Fantasy XIV’s name for Summons, mind you — they’re there to help you out in combat and inflict as much pain as possible as per the nature of the Primal pantheon. The Summoner class itself is referred to as a damage-over-time class, so instead of nuclear explosions of damage like the aptly-named Black Mage, you’ll be using abilities intended to last a while. That by no means implies that the Summoner isn’t as powerful, but if one could propose an analogy, this might do the trick.

Of course, no Summoner would be complete without a repertoire of Summons — so the Egi forms of Primals will be your companions in crime. Expect Egi forms of Ifrit, Garuda, Titan, and more to eventually join your roster. While they are not as gargantuan as the Primals they represent, they’re potency is not to be underestimated.

If all this damage dealing stuff is not your gig, you could always take up the mantle of Scholar. These academics of aid support the party through healing magic, and enlist the help of Fairy. Bravely Default fans may notice the intentional design similarities to the titular Aerie character by Akihiko Yoshida.

What separates a Scholar from your average robe-and-crook Conjurer-turned-White Mage? Well, just like the Summoner, the Scholar has abilities that heal over time rather than pack an immediate punch. Of course, the role of healer always comes with the burden of keeping a close eye on your fellow adventurers’ health and well-being. With the different playstyles that White Mage and Scholar will offer healers, it’s best to grow accustomed to each job’s intricacies.

We want to know what class you’re most interested in playing in A Realm Reborn. Even if you don’t know all the details, feel free to blurt out whatever looks the most appealing. You can do so by leaving us a comment below.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn releases on August 27th for Windows PC and PlayStation 3. A PlayStation 4 version is set to coincide with a DirectX 11 patch next year. Those of you looking to pick up the game may want to consider that special pre-order gifts are available as well as the decreasing availability of the Collector’s Edition. You can also purchase the digital items available in the Collector’s Edition through the digital upgrade option.

I find myself a little troubled here. I would’ve enjoyed starting the game as a Lancer that evolves to a Dragoon, but unfortunately, they originate from the town I’m least interested in, which is Gridania. So I’m going to be going with Gladiator, since I like Ul’dah and Thancred is awesome as well. Paladin really isn’t all that bad and if I want to be a Lancer, I can always to it at a later time.

masterlobo

@alexsam

Me too! But you know, being a tank is fun in ARR. It’s a lot more attention-demanding though.

Daniel Masterson

I wanted to get the PC collector’s edition but they were already sold out! luckily I was able to get the PS3 collector’s on amazon. I can’t wait till open beta. This game looks and plays very well.

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